Cyclone Biparjoy Approaches: No Threat to DHA Karachi

Chief Meteorologist of Sindh, Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz, sought to alleviate concerns on Wednesday, stating that the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in Karachi is not under threat from the rising tides caused by Cyclone Biparjoy’s approach to Sindh’s coastline.

According to the latest Met Office advisory, the cyclone is approximately 360 kilometers south of Karachi, 355 kilometers south of Thatta, and 300 kilometers southwest of Keti Bandar.

The cyclone threatens to trigger heavy rainfall in Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparker, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, and Karachi from June 14-17.

Possible Impact Areas

Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz confirmed, “The cyclone will strike on June 15, and its effects will linger until June 17”. However, he emphasized that smaller coastal settlements, such as Ibrahim Hyderi and Rehri Goth, remain vulnerable. “During the monsoon season, water usually spills onto the roads near Hawkes Bay as well.”

Sarfaraz forecasted that if the cyclone struck, it would weaken and dissipate within two days. Currently classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, Biparjoy has been downgraded from its previous status as an extremely severe cyclonic storm.

Post-Cyclone Weather Expectations

After the cyclone’s passage, Sarfaraz anticipates that Karachi’s weather will revert to “normal,” with sea breezes returning to the city.

Cyclone Biparjoy is predicted to land on Thursday evening, hitting between Mandvi in India’s Gujarat and southeast Sindh near Keti Bandar in Pakistan. Its maximum sustained wind speed is projected to be 125-135 kilometers per hour, gusting up to 150 kilometers per hour.